The Solomon Islands, host of the 2023 Pacific Games, is on a roll with preparations for Samoa 2019 XVI Pacific Games.
In their preparations for the event from 7-20 July in Samoa, the team is aiming to participate in as many of the 27 sports as it can.
"For starters, as the next host nation, we are doing our best in getting involved with all the 27 sports in the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games. We don’t have shooting due to gun control back home, badminton, squash, lawn bowls and cricket, but all the other sports we are involved with," said Michael Chan, Chef De Mission of the Solomon Islands.
He also shared the aim of the Solomon Islands Government to work closely with the Olympic Committee to support the federations for each sport.
"Every federation is getting their own team to prepare for the Games. Hopefully we can win more medals for our team, because in 2023 we aim to be in the top three, or top five hopefully," he said.
Michael is certain the success of the 2023 Pacific Games will be found in teamwork, which is already evident in Solomons' Samoa preparations.
"Team work is very important, and gelling together. Just looking at the team effort that Samoa has - and they know what they are doing - we need all the advice from the countries that have already hosted," he said.
He added: "I'm glad that Samoa is on the stage of completion and now waiting to have all the Pacific Island nations to come over during the Games."
The Solomon Islands is one of the strongest team in basketball and they are looking forward to being involved in the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games as a pre-qualifier for FIBA Asia Cup.